You may not have thought that requests for a prenatal portrait would come with a request to create sexy, sensual nude images. Yet, we are starting to get more of them.

Prenatal or maternity portraits have been evolving, transforming into a more diverse personal statement and reflection of the mom-to-be. They are determined that their sexy factor, the sensual side of who they are, not disappear with the new role.

We are still doing the full range of images focusing on their big tummies and fresh found glow. What’s being added is a collection of images that crop out or hide the tummy. A message to their husbands, partners, or just to themselves, that they are still sensual women. They are usually delighted with the enhanced breasts that come with pregnancy, wanting to take advantage of them.

So we are setting time aside in our Joy of Life sessions to create images that reflect all their passion and charms for their lovers. It turns out there are lots of ways through camera angles and lighting to create the illusion of no tummy.

Where does the idea come from? I am not sure, I think it’s mostly an evolution of self expression. Women of today are very different in what they are looking for, along with how they want to be seen, how they want to express themselves. There is a stronger sense of being bolder, of experimenting.

And there is more exposure to ideas. Back in 1980 when we started doing prenatal images, there were few references or role models to follow. Today, there seems to be an unlimited well of ideas. Pinterest, social photo sharing sites, even Facebook where conversations explore ideas, all expand the realm of possibilities women are exposed to. A message that anything is all right if it feels right to you.

Likely it is an evolution from the nude maternity portrait. There is a freedom of expression, and acceptance of body and self-image. It’s a celebration of form and the future. It’s an amazing touchstone for a memory. A mere few weeks after birth, it’s hard for a mom to believe how big their tummy was.

Back to our topic, the sensual nude prenatal image… how have they been received? By all reports, quite well.